Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
MSc Graduate, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Khuzestan, Iran. University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Khuzestan, Iran.
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Khuzestan, Iran.
Abstract
Objective
The endophytic fungus Serendipita indica (formerly Piriformospora indica) can establish symbiotic relationships with various plants, including maize. Numerous studies have highlighted its positive effects on plant growth and enhancing tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of S. indica on catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPO) enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation levels in various maize hybrids under heat stress during the flowering stage. The potential interaction between plant genotype and fungal symbiosis, which is important in plant breeding, was also investigated.
Materials and Methods
The experiment used a factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments consisted of two factors: maize hybrids (drought- and heat-tolerant single-cross Karun 701, single-cross AS71, and common single-cross 704) and fungal inoculation (inoculated and non-inoculated with S. indica) under two planting dates (early summer and summer). Heat stress was induced by early summer planting, which exposed maize hybrids to high temperatures during August and September in Khuzestan Province, coinciding with the pollination stage.
Results
Combined analysis revealed that S. indica inoculation significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and enhanced CAT and GPO enzyme activities in inoculated plants compared to non-inoculated controls. However, maize genotypes responded differently to the fungal symbiosis, indicating a significant genotype × fungus interaction. Among the hybrids, Karun 701 showed the most effective symbiotic relationship with S. indica, exhibiting the highest enzyme activity and the lowest MDA content under stress and non-stress conditions.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that response of maize plant to S. indica is genotype-dependent. Integrating this fungus into maize breeding programs can contribute significantly to developing hybrids tolerant to abiotic stresses, provided that genotype × fungus interaction on important agronomic traits in maize is confirmed.
Keywords
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